EDITORIAL: Practice good health habits

Recently, we have seen have seen the re-emergence of cases of gastro-enteritis across the country. Several affected persons have been informing those around them to limit the spread of this illness, since this condition can easily be passed from person to person. Therefore, we all should take steps to improve our hygiene and keep our surroundings clean. It has been proven that this is one of the surest ways to combat the dreaded 'gastro' and other related diseases. And while some may ignore renewed reminders on this subject, an attitude of complacence will likely cause the most harm in the long run. 

 

Currently, too many people are neglecting to enforce the most basic safety standards when dealing with food daily and this can lead to contamination of food and sickness in those who consume it. This can happen not only in homes, but in food establishments as well. Whether we cook at home or choose to eat outside of the home should not matter once the food is handled with the best standards to ensure that those consuming it are safe from food borne illnesses.

 

People who work in the food industry must always bear in mind that whether they walk, drive or use public transportation, dangerous germs are spread through contact with the unknown public. It is unfortunate that despite information given by the public health and environmental health departments, some of the people who work in the food industry simply do not consider or understand the gravity of their actions. Additionally, employers must continue to take adequate steps to outline the dangers of poor hygiene in the workplace. For example, there are still some restaurants that have employees serving food and handling money at the same time. Very seldom have those employees been trained or instructed to wash their hands before serving food to the next patron. Owners and employers of food establishments should include and insist on good hygiene practices from their employees at all times. Furthermore, employers should ensure that facilities are provided for the washing of hands next to the dressing rooms and washrooms and that these rooms are sanitised at least once a day.

 

Sometimes, critical advice from patrons is frowned upon and ignored, much to the detriment of those who patronise these places. The onus is therefore on customers to protect themselves where necessary.

 

Good hygiene must be taught and practised from the level of infants right through to adulthood. Simple actions such as bathing every day and washing your hands before and after you eat, after using the toilet, as well as after playtime for children, are necessary in the prevention of some diseases. Daily we come into contact with others, therefore we should not leave the health of the public to chance. In our own interest, Barbadians should do whatever is necessary to ensure that the guidelines for proper hygiene are implemented and enforced at all times. 

 

Finally, on the topic of good health practices, it seems that Barbadians have come to take for granted the fact that the SSA employees will clean up their messes, hence there is no need to limit the output of garbage. On the other hand, due to the increased population, the growth in housing and new communities, coupled with the challenges faced by the SSA with regard to collection trucks in responding to these developments, the garbage situation is presenting a serious challenge in this country. There is no doubt, however, that Barbadians can do better with regard to the way they dispose of their refuse.